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Laid-Back Camp Craze Continues With Camping, Merch, Dōjin Event

Anime News Network's merchandise coverage sponsored by Tokyo Otaku Mode.

With the Laid-Back Camp anime's 12th and final episode soon to premiere, a buzz still surrounds the popular series. Fans can't seem to get enough of the story about girls going on scenic camping trips. The real-world attainability of the adventure inspires people to find ways to recreate the anime for themselves.

The anime's staff went winter camping to ensure the series' authenticity. In turn, the anime has inspired veteran and amateur campers to try winter camping near Mount Fuji this season. However, not all hobbyist campers are happy about the enthusiasm surrounding the series. At least one camper has reportedly been frustrated enough to post on Twitter about otaku visiting campgrounds due to the show, and he hoped they would learn better manners.

Even without visiting the anime's real-world setting, other enthusiasts are making waves. Dealers reportedly sent notice in February that the Yamaha Vino scooter in the color anime character Rin uses was sold out.

Fans can also get plenty of official merch related to the anime, and even more debuted this month. Cospa and other online retailers are accepting orders for two new T-shirts, a windbreaker, and a carabiner inspired by the anime.

The items are perfect to use on an anime pilgrimage camping trip, and they are relatively inexpensive. The T-shirts cost 3,132 yen (about US$30), the windbreaker costs 5,400 yen (about US$51), and the carabiner costs 1,080 yen (about US$10). The items will be available to purchase at Cospa's booth at the AnimeJapan event in Tokyo on March 24-25.

Although the anime's final episode will premiere on March 22, fans will still be celebrating the series for some time to come. A dōjin event dedicated to Laid-Back Camp will be held at Ki no Kuno Site in Minami-Alps, Yamanashi on November 25. The event, titled "Nashikyan in Minami-Alps," will take place in roughly the same area that the anime is set. Admission will cost 500 yen (about US$5), and guests will be able to cosplay while perusing the various items available to buy.

The camping television anime series premiered on January 4, and Crunchyroll is streaming the series as it airs.

Afro's original Yurucamp (Yurukyan△, Laid-Back Camp Δ) "slow outdoor manga" follows two young women. Rin likes to go camping by herself along the lakes that provide a scenic view of Mt. Fuji. Nadeshiko loves to take cycling trips by herself to places where she can see Mt. Fuji. After they meet, Rin and Nadeshiko take camping trips, eat cup ramen together, and enjoy the scenery. Yen Press will release the first volume of the manga on March 27.

Source: Dengeki Online via Yaraon! (link 2), Nijipoi